The Science of Goalkeepers and Penalty Shootouts
Introduction : The Importance of Numbers in Soccer & How They Can Possibly Give Us the Edge in Penalty Shootouts
Soccer is a game of numbers. It’s a game of technique, tactics, and most importantly, strategy. Pundits & commentators have been nuts for statistics for the past 30 something years, now coaches have a whole staff dedicated to statistics in both the sports science field as well as performance based information. But what if you could use numbers to give you an edge as goalkeeper in penalty shootouts?
In this article, I will be exploring the importance of numbers in soccer and how they can help us with penalty shootout strategy.


Playing the Numbers for Goalkeepers
Playing the numbers for goalkeepers is a strategy that is used to reduce the risk of conceding goals in open play. It is also used by goalkeepers to increase their chance of making saves during a penalty shootout.
The playing the numbers strategy helps goalkeepers to make decisions about where they should position themselves for a penalty & other things they can do to gain an edge over their penalty taker. It has been shown that this strategy can increase goalkeeper’s chances of saving a penalty from 50% to 80%. So, if you are a goalkeeper and you are facing a penalty shootout, it would be wise for you to employ this strategy.
What is a penalty shootout and how can we deploy a numbers based strategy to bring success?
A Penalty shootout is the way to break a deadlocked game during a knockout tournament or competition. Penalty kicks can make or break a team's chances a successful season, so it is important to know how to strategize and execute penalty saves during a shootout. Ok, so you have all seen a penalty shootout either in person or on TV right? If you haven’t why are you reading this article? Honestly reach out to us. we want to delve into your psyche. Anyway back to penalty shootouts. So you have watched them and you’ve seen goalkeepers get sent for a hot dog (the wrong way) or more infuriatingly for me as a GK coach, you’ve seen them dive out of the way. This writer was lucky enough to have been coached by some really big GK personalities and some excellent tactic coaches. One coach allowed him to do his thing for a penalty shootout and it worked. So he has employed this strategy ever since.




The Keeper Akademi Method in 5 easy to remember steps.
Step 1. The first penalty - this is where guess work comes in. We prefer to use the term educated guess. Remember the taker is supposed to score. You are not expected to make the saves. In the educated guess stage the writer of this article would read his opponents body language & approach to the ball. There are key indicators that everyone has when they step up. Some are really obvious and others are very subtle. Take note and let them tell you where they are shooting.
Step 2. Repeat step 1 but attempt to psych out your opponent by approaching them as they are placing the ball. Wish them luck. When they look at you, you will be big & the goal will be small. This is will unnerve the taker and you are already gaining an advantage. Take your place in the goal but stand half a yard behind the line. As the taker approaches the ball take your power step and go for it with everything you’ve got.
Step 3. The pressure for the takers is now piling on. Under pressure the takers psychological composure is beginning to break, you know what else suffers from this? Technique! This is the penalty we tell all our goalkeepers to stay big and DO NOT GUESS! React.
Step 4. Even the goalkeeper is feeling the pressure here. You could literally win the game in the next couple of seconds. Keep calm and stay big for as long as possible. Again don’t guess! REACT!
Step 5. This is the money maker. Make the save and you are the hero, you can even have your own tickertape parade. Using Step 2’s psych out strategy do the same. Approach the taker wish them luck, tell them "you would hate to be in their shoes". Start behind your line as the approach step onto your line and react to the shot.
Conclusion
This is Keeper Akademi's playing the numbers strategy for penalty shootouts. 90% of the time even if you guess the right way you won’t be successful in making a save. It happens occasionally but not enough to matter. To summarize (and thank you for staying with us this long) Pick off the poor penalties and win the shootout. Be the hero. You’ve got this!
Goalkeepers Union! If at first you don’t succeed it’s because of me! Goalkeepers: Together We Stand Alone. Goalkeepers: The Special Breed
Keeper Akademi
Keeper Akademi Mission
To provide a safe, enjoyable & affordable learning environment for goalkeepers of all ages & ability level regardless of their ethnic & socioeconomic backgrounds.
Keeper Akademi Vision
In a perfect world every goalkeeper would play every minute of every game but unfortunately that isn't the case. There is only one spot for the highly specialized position. Which is why Keeper Akademi endeavors to deliver a quality & well structured training environment so even the third string goalkeeper can level up their game and enjoy learning the art of goalkeeping.